Media Center
Corporate Communications tells OCFA’s story with transparency, accuracy, and purpose. This team leads internal and external communications, responds to media inquiries, supports emergency incidents, and drives public awareness through education campaigns and community outreach. From crisis response to everyday storytelling, they ensure OCFA’s voice remains clear, timely, and connected to the people we serve.
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We provide brochures and flyers on life and fire safety topics, schedule school programs and fire station tours, and keep the public and media informed during emergency incidents.
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Public Records Requests can be made directly through our Clerk of the Authority by clicking the link below. If you have any general questions regarding public records, please contact the Clerk of the Authority Office during regular business hours at (714) 573-6040
In the media
Catch the latest headlines and media coverage featuring the Orange County Fire Authority.
News & Updates
Podcast - Hot Pursuit
Join hosts OCFA Fire Captain/Investigator Scott Kuhlman and Sophia Champieux as they take you behind the scenes of Orange County’s most compelling fire investigations. From arson to accidental blazes, twice a month we’ll explore a new case that uncovers the science, intuition, and human stories behind the flames. Through interviews with experts, fire investigators, law enforcement, and forensic specialists, Hot Pursuit offers an insider’s look at how these mysterious and often chilling fires are solved. Discover the untold stories that rise from the ashes, one fire at a time.
Executive Producer: Kevin Hansen
Hosts: Sophia Champieux & Scott Kuhlman
Help Us Serve
Support OCFA’s mission to protect and serve the community. Your contributions help fund vital programs and resources that save lives.
News and Active Incidents
OCFA’s Active Incidents section provides real-time information on emergencies happening now. See where our responders are deployed and stay connected to ongoing public safety efforts in your area.
Posts from @OCFireAuthority
31 years ago, 168 lives were lost in the Oklahoma City bombing. Today, and everyday we remember those who died, their loved ones, and the brave first responders who risked their lives to save others.
Born in an ambulance on the 22 Freeway just two months ago, with OCFA firefighter paramedics helping welcome him into the world, this sweet baby boy and his family made a special visit to Fire Station 86 in @CityGardenGrove for a heartwarming reunion.
Already dressed in a fire department shirt, we have a feeling we may see him again one day wearing the uniform!
🙏 @ABC7LosAngeles
Helicopter rescue POV.
Yesterday, two helicopter rescue medics were lowered 150 feet to reach a man injured after a fall in Black Star Canyon, while firefighters on the ground made access on foot.
After stabilizing his injuries, crews carried him more than a half mile across rugged terrain to a safe location where he was hoisted into the helicopter.
The helicopter then landed at a nearby location, and firefighter paramedics took him to the hospital in an ambulance.
From sleeping to safety. That’s what working smoke alarms did for a resident on Center Court in @LagunaNiguelCty.
He was awakened by smoke alarms alerting him to a fire downstairs, giving him valuable time to escape and call 911 at 4:42 this morning.
As seen in these videos, firefighters arrived to heavy fire and knocked it down quickly ensuring no one was injured and protecting neighbors’ homes.
The cause is under investigation, and no one was injured. Thank you to our partners @OCSDLagunaNigue and @SoCal_RedCross.
Give this dog an award!
At about 4:30 this morning, Fillmore barked urgently from his bed inside the family home on Skyway Drive in Unincorporated Tustin, refusing to stop. Realizing something was wrong, the homeowners looked out the window and saw a flickering light.
The family grabbed garden hoses and did what they could to slow the fire’s spread until firefighters arrived and quickly contained the flames to just the garage — saving the house.
OCFA Heavy Fire Equipment Operators then removed the vehicles to allow safe access to extinguish the remaining hot spots. Before leaving, firefighters gave Fillmore some well-deserved attention!
🙏 @OrangeCityFire for the assistance.
The Orange County Fire Authority and Orange County Professional Firefighters Local 3631 honor the life and service of Fire Apparatus Engineer Ken Caley on this anniversary of his Line of Duty Death on April 15, 2020. Ken and his family are forever in our hearts.
OCFA is hiring a Clerk of the Authority to join our organization. Ready to apply your experience and qualifications? ✏️
Visit https://bit.ly/JOINOCFA to apply and be a part of the Orange County Fire Authority. #JoinOCFA
Smoke alarms alerted a resident who then safely exited his second-story home on La Pat Place in Westminster just before 5:30 this evening. Firefighters arrived in four minutes and contained the fire to a single bedroom, saving the remainder of the residence and adjacent units.
Thank you to our partners @HBFD_PIO and @WestminsterPDCA for their assistance.
@WestminsterPIO
⚡️Electric Vehicle Fire⚡️
Yesterday, OCFA crews responded to an electric vehicle fire in Irvine. These incidents can be extremely challenging due to the intense heat and risk of thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries.
That’s why we recently added the Cobra water piercing >>>
nozzle to our toolkit. The Cobra uses a high-pressure water stream and aggregate to penetrate vehicle materials and deliver cooling water directly into battery compartments or other inaccessible areas.
April 12–18 is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week!
This week, we recognize the dedicated dispatchers who are on the other end of the line when it matters most. Day and night, OCFA dispatchers answer emergency calls, coordinate resources, and provide critical support.
Yesterday, we successfully completed our latest triannual full-scale drill at @JohnWayneAir. In partnership with John Wayne Airport Operations, the @OCSheriff, the @IrvinePolice, and other cooperating agencies, we simulated a major >>>
aircraft incident involving multiple patients.
The exercise thoroughly tested our Airport Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) units, paramedic teams, and interagency coordination as we practiced rapid response, hazard mitigation, patient care, and transport under realistic >>>
conditions.
A big thank you to all participating agencies for their outstanding collaboration and professionalism. These drills ensure we remain ready to deliver the highest level of emergency service to the residents and visitors of Orange County.
Recently, OCFA firefighter recruits of #Academy63 completed a stair climb of 110 flights, matching the height of the World Trade Center, in honor of the New York firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Climbing a 20-story building in Irvine five and a half times, this effort reflects the determination, courage, and strength it takes to become an OCFA firefighter and serve our communities.
In the middle of the night last night, OCFA crews in Santa Ana saved multiple apartments from going up in flames.
When Truck 76 arrived on scene, they found a row of detached garages with fire in an end unit immediately threatening the apartments behind it. With a well >>>
coordinated attack, crews were able to knock the blaze down before it could spread to the homes.
Damage estimated at 250k to the structure & 100k to the contents. Cause is under investigation.
The call came in at 3:27 AM and was in the 3000 block of S. Bradford. No injuries.
Easter Morning Deer Rescue in Lake Forest!
Earlier this morning, Engine 54 was requested by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) to help a deer that had become trapped in a fence at Borrego Park in Lake Forest.
The deer was tightly wedged between its hips and ribs. >>>
Our crew carefully used a saw to cut through one of the fence bars, then gently pulled the deer out backwards.
After resting on the ground for a few minutes, the deer got up and ran off into the surrounding area.
Happy Easter from the Orange County Fire Authority! 🐰
While you’re filling baskets with treats, take a moment to make sure your home and disaster preparedness kit have the essentials too.🧯
Visit https://ocfa.org/safety-programs/disaster-preparedness/ to view the full list.
The Orange County Fire Authority and Orange County Professional Firefighters Local 3631 honor the life and service of Fire Apparatus Engineer Emmett Wells on this anniversary of his Line of Duty Death on April 4, 2004. Emmett and his family are forever in our hearts.
We have received 911 calls for the odor of smoke in Orange County. This fire is not a threat to Orange County.
VEGETATION FIRE - rpt @ 10:59AM. 15900 block Gilman Springs Road, east of Moreno Valley. Firefighters are on-scene of 5-6 acres burning in light flashy fuels. Gilman Springs Road is closed from Alessandro Road to Bridge Street. #SpringsIC @RivCoNow
Mama Duck’s ducklings needed help.
A @LagunaNiguelCty duck stood on a wall yesterday, quacking at someone in a car until they got out, saw her stuck ducklings, and reached out to animal services.
Firefighters assisted with some ingenuity and “duck tape” to bring them to safety.
Meet OCFA Senior Accounting Support Specialist, Paulina 👋
Take a walk with us through part of her day as she answers questions about her role, her hobbies, and what it’s like working at OCFA.
We’re proud to highlight Paulina this Women’s History Month and recognize the vital role she plays in supporting the Orange County Fire Authority and the communities we serve.
🚁 Helicopter Rescue in Black Star Canyon
On Saturday, our air operations crews were returning from training on Helicopter 3 when they were diverted to a medical call in Black Star Canyon.
While overhead and low on fuel, they hover-stepped two crew members in while >>!
Helicopter 1 was enroute. The team quickly made patient contact and evaluated two patients.
Helicopter 1 then extracted both patients using the “hot seat” technique.
Having four helicopters to serve the citizens of Orange County is truly a game changer!
🔥 Structure Fire Response in Lake Forest
Last night at approximately 6:07 PM, our crews were dispatched to a reported residential structure fire in Lake Forest.
When Engine 38 arrived on scene, they found a two-story attached single-family residence with a fully involved >>>
garage fire that was extending into the home and threatening the attached neighboring home next door.
Our firefighters rapidly knocked down the fire before it could extend to the adjacent home. One individual was treated on scene and transported to the hospital.
🔥 What’s it like to be a firefighter at a premier all-hazard agency?
Today, the Orange County Fire Authority teamed up with the Orange County Professional Firefighters Union Local 3631 to host “Fire Ops ‘26 - Honoring Kevin Skinner,” a hands-on experience designed for >>>
decision-making, and teamwork that our firefighters face every single day on the job.
The day began with a moment of silence for OCFA Engineer Kevin Skinner, who made the ultimate sacrifice battling a structure fire last year, and the 26 other OCFA firefighters who have >>>
lost their lives in the line of duty.
It is a dangerous and difficult job, and we are grateful to the elected officials and media members who joined us for a small glimpse of the day in the life of an OCFA firefighter.
Hiker Safely Extracted from Black Star Canyon
Yesterday, OCFA Helicopter 3 (HC3) was dispatched to Black Star Canyon for a stranded hiker with no injuries.
Crews used the “hot seat” hoist for a successful extraction and safely transported him to a safe location.
At the @OrangeCountySC Local Heroes Night in @City_of_Irvine on Saturday, the OCFA was honored to be part of the special evening with a helicopter flyover during the National Anthem, proudly performed by OCFA Fire Apparatus Engineer Tim Fisher.
Highlighted at halftime were the Orange County Bomberos for their continued support of local youth pursuing careers in the fire service by providing scholarships, mentorship, outreach, and fundraising.
We were grateful to be part of this celebration of service and community.
Extreme Bunker Drill 🔥 Ft. OCFA Firefighter Shelly Appleby
Get to know OCFA Firefighter, Shelly Appleby as she answers questions about her life and career while racing the clock to suit up. A bunker drill is a timed exercise where firefighters gear up in full turnouts as quickly as possible, a critical skill on the job.
We’re proud to highlight Shelly this Women’s History Month and celebrate the dedication, strength, and impact she brings to our agency.
🔥 3 Homes Saved Last Night in Tustin 🔥
Just after 1:00 AM, our crews responded to a home engulfed in flames in Tustin, with fire threatening to spread to neighboring homes on both sides and to the rear.
Our Incident Commander tactically deployed our firefighters >>>
to prevent the fire from spreading to the neighboring homes. Fortunately, all three threatened homes were saved.
We want to thank the alert neighbors who heard glass breaking, went outside, saw the fire, and immediately called 911.
Stuck nearly 10 hours inside an exhaust vent in a parking structure in @City_of_Irvine, OCFA firefighters and @IrvinePolice Animal Services worked together to rescue Lucy the cat this weekend.
Firefighters cut away a section of the metal grate, using hand tools rather than power tools to avoid scaring her farther into the vent, to gain better access and return Lucy to the arms of her relieved family. Teamwork — In Service Of Others!
Firefighters knocked down a restaurant fire in the 300 block of El Camino Real in @CityofTustin in eight minutes early this morning after 911 callers reported smoke at 3:19 a.m. With heavy heat and smoke upon entry, crews confined the flames to a small section of the restaurant.
Nobody was injured, and the cause is under investigation.
Thank you to our partners @TustinPolice and @OrangeCityFire for the assistance.
🚨 Multiple Businesses Saved 🚨
Early this morning, Engine 66 arrived on scene at an automotive repair shop in Westminster with a significant blaze inside. With multiple other units in the industrial strip center imminently threatened, a coordinated fire attack was launched >>>
with a request for a second alarm.
Crews made quick work of the fire, preventing it from damaging numerous other businesses. No injuries were reported, and the cause is under investigation.
The call was in the 15100 block of Moran and came in at 4:14 AM.
OC Heat Wave + Rattlesnake Alert 🌡️🐍
OC is still in a major heat wave—stay safe!
Heat Tips:
• Drink lots of water
• Avoid 10am-5pm sun (or peak heat hours)
• Watch for elderly and children (they’re more vulnerable) >>>>
Rattlesnake Season: Warmer weather means snakes are out early.
• Stick to the middle of trails
• Scan ahead, keep pets leashed
• See one? Back away slowly—don’t touch!
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